The Toronto Maple Leafs are down to their final four games of the season, and with the playoffs no longer in reach, they're turning to their prospect pipeline.
With little time left on the schedule, the Leafs might find a gem buried in their system ahead of the new era the franchise is about to start in 2026 with a new front office in place.
One of those young players is forward Luke Haymes, who is set to make his NHL debut after being recalled from the Toronto Marlies ahead of Thursday's matchup against the New York Islanders.
Haymes has put together a solid season in the AHL with 17 goals, 15 assists and 32 points in 64 games.
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After Wednesday’s 4-0 loss to the Washington Capitals, Leafs head coach Craig Berube confirmed that Haymes is expected to join the Leafs along with fellow AHLer William Villeneuve.
“(Goalie Artur Akhtyamov) is coming up. (forward Luke) Haymes is coming up, and (defenseman William) Villeneuve is coming up as of right now,” Berube said.
Joshua’s absence adds to a season marked by interruptions, with the 29-year-old missing 19 games throughout January. He has appeared in 54 games this season, scoring 10 goals and 18 points in a bottom-six role in his first season with the Leafs.
Berube said after Wednesday's loss that giving opportunities to the likes of Haymes and Villeneuve is part of the approach to the final games of the season.
“I like to see these guys,” Berube said. “There is an opportunity to get them in.”
The Maple Leafs face the Islanders on the road on Thursday at 6:45 p.m. ET, before returning home to host the reigning champions, the Florida Panthers, on Saturday.
